I BELIEVE

THIS WORK IS MY PURPOSE IN LIFE

From the time I was a child I have felt a compelling urge to discover and pursue an abiding life purpose. When I was twelve years old I was called to this career path and as I look back on my life I can see that every experience I have had, both good and bad, has shaped who I am as a healer. This is more than just a job to me — it the life path and purpose that was laid out before me by God.

THAT YOU KNOW YOUR BODY BEST

I have spent nearly twenty years on my studies of acupuncture, herbal medicine, essential oils, and nutrition. But YOU are the expert when it comes to your body and your life. In my view my job is to partner with you in uncovering the causes of your health problems and the solutions to them. In order to do this I have to listen deeply to what you tell me and spend enough time getting to know you to assist you in uncovering the root cause(s) of your health problems. After that we turn our attention to implementing solutions that will work within the context of your life. During both phases of this process I maintain the attitude that you are the expert and I am the assistant as we work together.

IN HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY

You can count on the fact that my treatment plans and recommendations are always guided by my professional judgement about what is necessary for you to heal, not my financial bottom line. I will never pressure you to come for treatment more often than you need or to buy products that are unnecessary. If I believe that I cannot help you, I will tell you. If I think you could get by with less frequent appointments, I will tell you that as well. I have learned through first hand experience that God provides for my family and me when I act with integrity both personally and professionally and I conduct all aspects of my business from that understanding.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTH SHOULDN’T BE A FULL-TIME JOB AND IT SHOULDN’T COST A FORTUNE

I don’t know about you, but I am busy. I own a small business, have three children involved in an assortment of after school activities and sports, and am caretaker to an unreasonable number of pets (at the time of this writing two dogs and eight parrots). I don’t have time for health habits that require me to spend hours each day in the kitchen, to get up before dawn to run or do yoga for an hour, or to take biannual retreats to the spa to meditate and cleanse my colon.

I see one of my most important roles as assisting my patients in cutting through the clutter of the dozens of pieces of health advice available on the internet, on the Dr. Oz Show, and on the magazine covers in the check out line, and identifying the shortest, simplest, and cheapest path toward better health.

When it comes to my own health care, I expect results. When I’m the patient I won’t stick with a regimen of acupuncture, herbs, or supplements that don’t create clear change within a reasonable period of time. I place the same expectations on myself when it comes to developing treatment plans for my patients.

WESTERN MEDICINE AND CHINESE MEDICINE ARE GREAT COMPLEMENTS FOR ONE ANOTHER

My practicality also extends to my attitude toward conventional medicine — to quote Chris Kresser, I have no problem with medications or surgery if they:

1. Work,
2. Do more good than harm, and;
3. There are no non-drug/non-surgical alternatives with the same benefits.

Complementary medicine is not a religion and no one is handing out gold stars because it has been twenty years since you took a Tylenol for a headache. In some instances, conventional medicine offers the most sensible, effective, and practical approach and in those cases I count myself (and my patients) fortunate to have access to it.

YOUR TIME IS VALUABLE

You know what ticks me off? When I go to the doctor’s office and have to wait for an hour or more in a paper gown in a cold exam room. I understand that emergencies arise, but many medical offices run 30, 45, or even 60 minutes behind schedule as a matter of routine. I don’t know about you, but I can’t afford to take a half day off work every time I have a check up!

I am a stickler for punctuality and bend over backwards to make sure that my schedule runs on time. I want your appointments in my office to be a source of relaxation and pleasure, not aggravation and stress!

IN CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND GROWTH

My husband can tell you, I spend a ridiculous amount of time and energy on continuing education. Some women love shoes but I love books, particularly books on topics related to my profession. I know that my spending on books has gotten out of control when I get handwritten thank-you notes from Amazon.com (it has happened twice, I kid you not). One of my husband’s pet peeves is the screech of my highlighter on the page of the latest textbook I am reading in bed while he is trying to fall asleep, but he has had to learn to live with it. The more I learn the more I learn the more doors open to reveal what I do not yet know. Above all else I love to learn, particularly when it makes me a more a more helpful, practical, and effective healer.